Prostate cancer in the Arab world: Bibliometric review and research priority recommendations

Abstract

Objective To conduct a scoping review examining the status of prostate cancer research in Arab countries and systematically map publications across the cancer care pathway. Prostate cancer incidence has been rising in the Arab world and tackling its increasing burden will require evidence-based policies. Methods We searched Medline, PubMed and Scopus for peer-reviewed publications related to both our research topic and countries of interest by using controlled vocabulary and keywords. Search results were limited for the period between 2000 and 2020, screened for duplicates, and then included in our study based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. We used a structured data extraction form to extract information related to the article, its methodology, its cancer care pathway, funding status, and authorship. Results A total of 4142 publications were retrieved from our search, of which 874 articles remained after applying eligibility criteria. Trends show a steady increase in prostate cancer research in the Arab world. Most studies were focussed on diagnosis and treatment, whereas a lack in studies concerning screening and prevention, as well as epidemiological data, was evident. Most studies were not funded and had no female author. Country gross domestic product and population were positively correlated with its research output. The USA had the highest number of corresponding authors. The majority of Arab-based studies did not involve collaborations with other countries. Most research conducted was basic or clinical studies with a low level of evidence. Conclusion Our present review identified significant gaps and limitations in prostate cancer research in Arab countries. Priority areas for research investment have also been highlighted as a first step towards context-specific health policies. Abbreviations ASR: age-standardised rate; COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019; GDP: gross domestic product; HDI: Human Development Index; KSA: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; UAE: United Arab Emirates

Cancer research in the United Arab Emirates from birth to present: A bibliometric analysis

“…Notably, the UCR's participation rate in international cancer research publications is 0.06%, compared to 1.52% for all Arab nations combined [ 2 ]. The results of the current study are consistent with previous bibliometric studies on cancer in the Arab world [ 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Despite ongoing monitoring and early detection efforts, the incidence and mortality rates of diagnosed cancer in the UAE have been steadily increasing, highlighting the need for improved coverage within the population [ 6 ]. This study employed bibliometric analysis to examine the historical trends in UAE cancer research (UCR), a technique previously used to map cancer research landscapes in various regions [ 2 , [37] , [38] , [39] ] including Arabic countries [ 40 ]. We investigated the cancer-related scholarly output of UAE university scholars, encompassing not only clinical trials, but also observational and epidemiological studies.…”

“…The current study's pattern of international collaboration aligns with previous bibliometric studies conducted on cancer in the Arab world, as indicated by Refs. [ 40 , 41 ].…”

Burden of prostate cancer in the Middle East: A comparative analysis based on global cancer observatory data

“…While the incidence of prostate cancer is increasing, data on the stage at diagnosis and treatment outcomes remain scarce, potentially leading to increased mortality rates. Concurrently, lower incidence rates might be attributed to biological features of male populations in the Arab World, as suggested by several studies 5,19,20 . Access to health care, an important determinant of cancer outcomes, is unfortunately limited or negatively impacted by conflict and displacement in many parts of the Middle East, 21–23 which could result in delayed diagnosis and consequently, higher mortality rates.…”

Genitourinary cancers in the Arab world: A bibliometric study

“…For example, a geographically and temporally limited study highlighted that cancer research productivity in Arab countries is lower than in the United States (US), Europe, and Japan, mainly due to the limited number of researchers, and lack of funding, networking, and research support (11). A recent study examining the status of prostate cancer research in the Arab world identified a positive correlation between the GDP and research output, a focus on diagnosis and treatment rather than screening and prevention, and a lack of research funded or co-authored by women (12). To holistically understand the evolution of research productivity on cancer in the Arab world, such studies should be expanded to other types and categories within the field of oncology, including genitourinary (GU) cancers.…”